From the Millennial Star, July 1945 —
A Woman’s Point of View
By Edith Russell
Is This the Answer?
It appears to be comparatively easy for an allied soldier to resist overtures of friendliness made by a German soldier, but he finds it the most difficult thing in the world to resist those made by a child probably too young to have any idea of what the word Nazi means. It seems that when he is attacked by plane and tank and shell, he is no mean fighter, but when the weapon of attack is a small helping of home life, he is peculiarly vulnerable.
Obviously, there is a tremendous force in those gentle things, a child’s innocence and the universal appeal of home-life, Inevitably, one is brought to the conclusion that it is stronger than war, more powerful than memory, stronger than vengeance.
In the Church of Jesus Christ, we find the essence of this force generated by the Restored Gospel. L.D.S. women are inspired and encouraged to preserve with all their energies, the sanctity of mother and childhood, and that of the home. In this strange, unexpected aftermath of the bloodiest war in history, in this power wielded by little children and humble homes – have we the answer to all future contentions and strifes? If we have – Woman, thy name is Responsibility.
Almalgamation of Relief Societies in London
The month of June has ‘flamed ‘ upon interesting moves in the London District. The branches of Catford, Chiswick, North and South London have been amalgamated into one splendid organisation and Sister Maud Hawkes now presides over London’s Relief Society with counsellors Olga S. Emery and Clare Hannah to lend her able support.
This event is indicative of the present growing tendency of the saints in Britain, to ‘gather’ and concentrating of strength and woman power in this Relief Society is expected to bear fruits of remarkable quality and quantity in the near future.
It has occasioned many of the sisters extended journeys to and from meetings which are now being held at Ravenslea. But inconvenience is being met with a real Relief Society spirit and true to its finest traditions. Charity has not failed and will not fail.
“Women of the Pen” – Edith Sitwell
Most women are impressed by the unusual and in this category comes a little book compiled by the brilliant poetess, Edith Sitwell. It is, according to the preface, for those whose “continual cares, fears, sorrows, dry brains” drive rest away. It is called, rather nocturnally, “Planet and Glow Worm.”
Edith Sitweil, a member of a most gifted family, sister of Osbert and Sacherevell, famous for their contributions to contemporary literature, has concentrated between the slim covers of this little book, a wealth of poetry and prose, strangely soothing in its essence.
“The anxious month, relieved from its pains,
Takes as a long-lost right the feel of May;
The eyelids with the passing coolness play
Like rose leaves with the drip of Summer rains.
And calmest thoughts come round us; as of leaves
Budding – fruit ripening in stillness – Autumn suns
Smiling at eve upon the quiet sheaves –
Sweet Sappho’s cheek – a sleeping infant’s breath –
The gradual sand that through an hour glass runs –
A woodland rivulet – a Poet’s death.”
This poem of Keats is one of many of great beauty and all with the peculiar gift of imparting tranquillity to the reader. There are selections of prose by Jeremy Taylor, Gertrude Stein, Shakespeare and Charles Baudelaire. And if your languages are equal to it, there is the ‘Litanies de la Rose’ by Remy de Gourmont, and “Myrtho” and “Delfica” by Gerard de Nerval to beguile the hours. Edith Sitweil takes her place among the great figures in 20th century literature. Her work is worthy of study and appreciation by any woman to whom beauty
and culture mean something desirable.